HNA meeting Wednesday

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will meet on Wednesday, July 16, at 7 p.m. at the Sage College Campus Center. On the agenda:

• Kathy Sheehan of School 19 PTA will talk about the proposed playground improvements at the elementary school.
• City police Community Officer Janet Parker is slated to discuss what it takes to establish a Neighborhood Watch.
• A discussion on the future of St. Teresa of Avila.
• Library update.

Grove Avenue featured in Times Union

While this article could likely describe many blocks in our wonderful neighborhood, it uses Grove Avenue as an example and does a great job capturing why many of us live in the Helderberg Neighborhood.

Please following this link: http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=702822&category=LIFE&newsdate=7/13/2008&TextPage=1
 

Work at new library branch underway

Work on the New Scotland Avenue public library branch site next door to Engine 11 began last month.
 

HNA meeting on Wednesday

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will host a meeting this Wednesday, June 18, at Sage College's Campus Center at 7 p.m.

A discussion of the Albany Almshouse highlights the agenda. HNA Communications Chair Debra Schramek reports that the keynote guest speaker will be Andrea Lain, who will discuss the history of the Almshouse, provide insight on the site excavations and share insights about the lives of the people of the Almshouse.

Also on the agenda, HNA member and neighborhood resident Ed Mashman will talk about the Albany Tennis Club. Albany Library Board Trustee Dennis Gaffney will also provide a brief status update on the Albany Public Library building projects.

Lain, an archaeologist who has worked in Europe, the Middle East, and on numerous sites in the United States and is the Archeology Collections Manager at the New York State Museum, will discuss the background history of the Almshouse and its cemetery, which was located behind the NYS National Guard Armory building on New Scotland Avenue. Lain will give an overview of the excavations at the cemetery and some of the interesting information retrieved from the people of the Almshouse.
 

Fireworks at Albany College of Pharmacy

Albany College of Pharmacy will host a fireworks display as part of the events surrounding its annual alumni weekend on Saturday, June 7, around 9 p.m.

The college has extended an invitation to anyone from the neighborhood interested in watching the fireworks to stop by and enjoy the display.
 

Neighborhood-wide garage sale this Saturday

This Saturday, May 31, is the annual Helderberg Neighborhood Association neighborhood-wide garage sale. Feel free to join in and sell and shop on a day when many of your neighbors will be setting up on their lawns and driveways to sell off their wares.

Sun shines on Spring Spree

Under perfect skies, the fourth annual Spring Spree brought out friends, neighbors and supporters on Saturday, May 17, at both ends of our neighborhood's business districts along New Scotland Avenue.

We thank our elected officials who came and supported our event — Mayor Jerry Jennings, Assemblyman Jack McEneny, Councilman Jim Sano, Councilwoman Cathy Fahey and library board trustee Dennis Gaffney.

Helderberg Neighborhood Association chairwoman Jennifer Viggiani kicked off Spring Spree at the corner of New Scotland and Grove avenues, between Anthology Florist and Grove Laundry, by introducing the event's speakers. Local author Chris Ringwald and his son read aloud a proclamation from Mayor Jennings in celebration of the neighborhood, its businesses and Spring Spree. Dennis Gaffney joined musicians Geo Doody and Nick Bisanz in singing "It's a Beautiful Day in the New Scotland Avenue Neighborhood."

Woodlawn-New Scotland Neighborhood Association chairwoman Julie Elson and Paige and Brad Allen promoted the tables in front of Isn't It Sweet and across the street from St. Peter's Hospital and helped sign up more than 70 participants in the event's business scavenger hunt

Sweet Treats on the corner of Maple Avenue and Quail Street provided the cake celebrating the neighborhood's 100th birthday. Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, from opposite ends of New Scotland Avenue, came together and provided free coffee, while Pasquale's on New Scotland and Grove donated free pizza and stromboli.

Doody and Bisanz entertained the crowd after the speakers at the beginning of the event and a group of musicians from Grove Avenue delighted the crowd as the follow-up act.

Albany Fire Station No. 11 showcased their truck in front of their firehouse, and the Department of General Services closed off a portion of Grove Avenue for the event.

A new part of Spring Spree was also held: a freelance and home-business meet-and-greet under the red tent.

Businesses along the corridor showcased artwork by local children in their storefronts, another new feature this year. Children colored the sidewalks with chalk as part of a contest.

Prizes purchased from local businesses by the neighborhood associations were awarded at the end of the event to scavenger hunt winners.

Special thanks to Kim Alvarez for her work as the Spring Spring 2008 event chair.

Neighborhood Association meeting on Wednesday

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Sage College Campus Center.

The featured guests on the draft agenda are representatives from the Albany Health Department with a discussion on managing lead paint in homes.

Also on the draft agenda are reports from the HNA 100 Research Committee and from Councilwoman Cathy Fahey, Councilman Jim Sano, Joe Isgro and Officer Parker, plus updates on planning and zoning projects.

Final planning for the neighborhood-wide garage and yard sale, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, will also be discussed.

Finally, there is a reminder and invitation to a new meeting in the Association's schedule, set for mid-June.